Goldfields' Ngadju people await formal recognition of native title claim

The Ngadju people, from the WA Goldfields, are set to have their native title claim formally recognised this month.

On November 21, the Federal Court will recognise an area more than 100,000 square kilometres east of Norseman, at Buldania Rockhole.

This follows an 18-year process for the Ngadju people.

In a first for the Goldfields, about 40 per cent of the area will be recognised as exclusive possession, the highest form of native title.

Goldfields Land and Sea Council CEO Hans Bokelund said the native title would allow the people to uphold their customary traditions on the land.

"It allows them to do that on their non-exclusive native title but when it comes to the exclusive areas they have a full ambit of rights and interests in that land," he said.

"Here with the Ngadju they've had that validation recognised to the world at large and it's fantastic news for them."

He said the exclusive possession would allow the people to continue practising their traditions and culture on the lands.

"Even with regards to the areas where they don't have exclusive native title it still allows them the opportunity to go into those areas, of course with good communication with the pastoralists and mining companies, do their customary ceremonies, they might be gathering food and hunting," he said.